Excited with the news that it had jumped to #11 on the CCCSIA State Top 20 Poll, the Pasadena City College women's soccer team knew opponents would come hard at the Lancers. Unranked San Diego Miramar did just that and took a 1-0 lead with 11 minutes left on Tuesday at Robinson Stadium.
Facing potential defeat for the first time this year, the Lancers plugged away until Angie Grigoryan scored with just 2:26 left to give PCC a tie and extend its season-long, undefeated streak to 10 games. PCC (6-0-4) once again showed its resiliency as its defense held strong while the offense did just enough to earn the draw.
After Juliana Laverniere gave Miramar (3-3-1) the lead with a shot from the 9-yard line, a desperate Pasadena squad came back with a corner kick as Charlie Gallardo sent it into the box. Alexa Espinoza-Gutierrez tried to get off a shot, but the ball flubbed off her foot as it went 15 yards up in the air. With the loose ball landing, Grigoryan found it first deep in the box, then tucked a short roller into the left corner for the tying score.
"We got a result, so I'm proud of the team for not giving up when we down 1-0 so late in the game," said PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "Angie has been out for a few games due to injuries so it was great that she was able to come on today and score the goal that tied it up.
"We've been playing tough games back to back and today we felt it. Miramar had some strong players in the midfield and idd a great job keeping pressure on us. We will rest and regroup and be ready for another tough game on Friday."
PCC hosts #20-ranked College of the Desert (7-1) on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.
The Jets used a strong, physical game led by midfielders in Adriana Resindez and Ashley Galvan, who controlled much of the midfield and kept PCC out of its offensive system. While PCC's defense, especially Destiny Delgado and Charlie Gallardo providing solid play, held its ground, the Lancers were unable to create scoring chances on the other side of the field.
The Lancers have allowed just four goals all year and did not win at home for the first time in five matches (4-0-1). Grigoryan's goal ended a 204-minute scoreless stretch for PCC, including its 0-0 tie with then #1 Chaffey.
While the power points ratings are constantly changing based on all other contests played throughout the state, the Lancers were at #10 (seventh in region) prior to the Miramar game. The power points determines the seeding for a postseason playoff spot.